Agenda item

The Chair welcomed Amy Lame, who was appointed as London’s first Night Czar in 2016.

Amy Lame gave a presentation at the meeting and the following points were highlighted:-

·       There were enormous challenges for night-time businesses since Covid and the economy had not yet recovered.

·       London had a cross cutting approach/ holistic approach to their night-time economy which included planning transport and economic development.

·       Boroughs were asked to consider 24 hour licences and include consideration in their licensing policy.

·       There had been an in-depth data study using ONS, NHS and TFL data and it had been found that only 4.3% crimes at night were alcohol related offences. Previous policies had lacked data.

·       The Night Czar spent time at night surgeries in Boroughs gaining first-hand knowledge and collaborating with Boroughs. Lighting at night was a popular discussion point.

·       Bars, pubs and takeaways were just one part of the night-time economy and working people were at the heart of the cities at night whilst there were licensing inequalities at night. A 24-hour economy was more encompassing.

·       Workers were expecting more flexible working patterns after Covid.

·       There was a need to make better use of under used space. Shops may shut early but could sign up to late shopping evenings.

·       Transport provision at night and safety at night needed to be taken into consideration. There was a Women’s Night Safety Charter to help women feel confident and welcome at night.

·       Night-time strategies were developed to help London authorities to plan for the night to help identify the strengths in each local area.

·       Helping boroughs to boost the high street after 6pm at night with night-time enterprise zones.

·       Business friendly licensing was used for different projects in different Boroughs.

The following points were highlighted in discussion:-

·       Concern was raised regarding the protection of space for businesses, particularly the change of use from commercial properties into residential properties. This concern would be fed back to the Mayor of London.

·       Concerns were raised regarding low paid staff working at night. It was noted that unfair employment practices occurred during the day as well as night and there was a need to make work better for all people.

·       The late-night levy was used in Islington to fund Women’s Night Safety Charter. The Night Czar considered that this was an extra tax for opening up after midnight.

·       It would be helpful for schemes to work across the boundaries of Boroughs e.g Islington/Haringey/Hackney and could help smaller businesses. The task would be to find collaborative boroughs.

·       The lack of live music venues in the Borough was a concern. The Night Czar suggested that council unused assets could be considered as a space for music. Councils could partner with the Music Venues Trust who were dedicated to helping preserve live music. Councils could become more pro-active, so the live music came to those venues and the Borough.

·       The Night Czar reported that even where crime is committed during the day it did not mean that premises were restricted or shut down. The Committee expressed concern regarding how the crime statistics measured at night. In Islington, crime peaked between midnight and 3am and it was necessary to make spaces as safe as possible.

·       It was noted that money was spent in tackling violence against women and girls. The Council was investing in prevention; multi-agency risk assessment meetings were held on a monthly basis and work was carried out in schools.

·       There was a balance that needed to be struck between protections for residents and businesses. It was also noted that residents had protections through planning, environmental health and licensing enforcement when issues did arise.

RESOLVED

That the presentation be noted.